The Relationship Between Diagnosed Cancer and Self‐Reported Distress and Depression: A Cross‐Sectional Study Using the 2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

U.S. adults with cancer in 2020 had high prevalence of distress and depression but were not more likely to report mental health outcomes than adults without cancer after controlling for measured confounding. Results suggest routine, equitable mental health screening is needed within oncology and primary care. Future research should explore COVID-19 pandemic impacts on cancer and mental health, and differences by race, ethnicity, and sex of recently diagnosed patients.